The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian legislators to focus on accountability and good governance, highlighting their critical role in the country’s development.
Olukoyede spoke through a representative at a policy dialogue in Abuja on Thursday. He emphasised that while the recently unveiled report on legislative productivity was commendable, it seemed to overlook the crucial aspect of accountability in governance.
The event, organised by the Erudite Growth and Advancement Foundation (ERGAF-Africa) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), centred on the “10th National Assembly’s Deliberative Barometer and Policy Focus Productivity Report.”
The EFCC boss commended the organisers for the initiative, stating it was a valuable tool for addressing national issues.
However, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Cyril Godwin Hart, acknowledged the need to constantly elevate the standards of lawmaking and oversight.
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He noted that the productivity barometer aligns with the 10th Assembly’s vision for evidence-based lawmaking, which will help lawmakers make more informed decisions.
Abubakar Suleiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, also praised the initiative for providing essential data to evaluate the activities of the 10th Assembly.
He underscored that using accurate data and artificial intelligence will enhance transparency and accountability in governance.
Additionally, Bamidele Salam, in a goodwill message, stressed that citizens are primarily concerned with the tangible results of democracy.
He called for government support to sustain the initiative, which helps to connect the work of legislators with the public’s expectations.
